The primary goal of a gaming headset is to deliver the highest quality sound. Whether blasting 7.1 surround into a gamer’s ears to hear every footstep of an opponent or feeling the rumble of huge explosions, sound can play a crucial part of gameplay. But with the HyperX Cloud headset, Kingston is putting another crucial factor at the forefront: comfort.

Whether on the pro circuit or just spending a long weekend playing games, headsets can take their toll on players’ ears and heads. The company known for PC memory and storage crafted a quality headset that delivers on both comfort and sound.

Lasting Style

The first thing to notice about the HyperX Cloud is its no-nonsense design. In an effort to highlight the specific product or brand, companies will typically slap logos and similar branding across headsets. Rather than marking its territory in such a gaudy fashion, the HyperX Cloud is primarily black with red logos on both ear cups. Red stitching adds a nice touch to the headband with “HyperX” embroidered in black at the top. The headset is devoid of out of place colors or flashing lights.

A sleek and sturdy design catches the eye without the need for flashy lights and colors.

An emphasis on comfort means the headset must be light. Despite the aluminum build, the HyperX Cloud feels solid. For a device that rests on the head without too much pressure or weight, it’s a welcome surprise that there’s no cheap, flimsy plastic to be found. A popular test with headsets is usually to twist and bend the headband without pushing it too far. The headband could be excessively flexible, but using a material with more resistance might have resulted in a less comfortable headband.

The headset’s detachable microphone feels and looks like the HyperX Cloud’s aesthetics were designed with a sleek profile in mind and a simplicity that begs for attention. It’s easy to see that care was put into all the different aspects of the HyperX Cloud. Braided cables are used to connect the headset to extensions and devices. The material is preferred for endurance purposes. Even after extensive use, only a few fibers were frayed on the ends of the cables.

Cloud Comfort

Just a touch of the memory foam ear pads is enough to convince users this is one of the softest materials ever used on a headset. After putting them on your head, the ear pads cradle and cushion your ears instantly. Without putting too much pressure on the ears, the ear pads have fit appropriately snug. Gamers wearing glasses will also have nothing to worry about.

The HyperX Cloud provide an incredible amount of comfort for any situation. First and foremost is the use for gamers who play for several hours at a time. Too often, gaming headsets that claim to have excellent ear pads end up causing various levels of discomfort as gaming sessions continue. Hours can pass with minimal breaks and the memory foam on the HyperX Cloud will never become overbearing. The only real complaint is that without enough time to breathe, sweat is likely to build up either around the pads or the headband.

Because the HyperX Cloud is functional with multiple devices, it’s important that the headset can be worn comfortably in a variety of situations–gaming at the computer, on the couch with a console, in bed with a mobile device or even on the go. This headset is practical for any of those times, and they are comfortable enough that you could easily fall asleep with them on. As an added bonus, the memory foam blocks outside noise. It can almost eliminate the noise of a crying child a few seats behind you in a plane (a tested fact) or make it hard to hear a person talking to you in the same room. For gamers who like to be completely immersed, this is an essential feature. Included with the headset is also a pair of velour ear cups which aren’t as comfortable but provide a better method of not canceling out noise and won’t leave you completely unaware of your surroundings.

Simple Approach to Sound

Were Kingston to focus on powerful sound quality, it might have affected the overall comfort of the HyperX Cloud. Virtual surround or emphasis on rumbling ear cups are big features being implemented in several headsets. The large 53mm drivers in the headset might not seem as immersive as a surround device but the power is there. Gunshots and explosions from Call of Duty ring in the ears. Instruments creating the sweeping soundtrack of Final Fantasy XIV aren’t lost when wearing the HyperX Cloud.

[adsense250itp]Listening to music or watching videos on YouTube is a satisfying experience. Audiophiles or those looking for feature-rich headsets might be underwhelmed, but as a gaming headset it delivers quality sound. As mentioned, the memory foam ear pads further contain sound within the ears so the experience is just as full. The convenience of a detachable microphone means it will never get in the way. Better yet, voice quality is clear enough that you can be heard while chatting in-game or when livestreaming games.

Sound can be adjusted from a very simple control box, which can also pause music or end calls with the touch of a button. No buttons or volume sliders on the headset itself means that everything is technically simple. Wires connect to microphone and headphone jacks making for a user friendly device. However, the control box lacks a clip so it can be hard to find a place where it won’t awkwardly hang. And be careful not to run over the wires with the wheels on your computer chair.

Packed with Value

From the moment the box is opened and you are on your fifth or sixth straight hour of gaming, it obvious that the HyperX Cloud is a headset worth the investment. Competitively priced at $99.99, the unit is cheap enough to stand strong against established brands. It may seem like a budget price yet it’s anything but.

An attractive package full of content is hard to ignore.

Attractive packaging goes a long way with the HyperX Cloud’s first impression. The inclusion of an airplane adapter, the velour ear cups, splitter and extension cables and a mesh bag equals a surprising amount of stuff that gamers get for the price. Ultimately, however, it’s the incredible comfort that Kingston brings to the table that sets the headset apart. For gamers who need something for the long haul, you can’t go wrong with the HyperX Cloud.

Ben Sheene

Ben is from Kentucky where he originally began playing games (an activity he still continues to this day). With a love for writing he graduated from Centre College with a BA in English. He recently moved to California to pursue whatever future endeavors were there. A passion for music, gaming, blogging, and existing keeps him up at night and crafts him into the person he is today.

One response to “HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset Review”

I can’t help imagining how silly I’d look wearing this on a plane… The elderly grandmother next to me, mouth agape as a stream of curses flow from my mouth towards my foes via the in-flight WiFi, frantically taps the “call” button to report the terrorist adjacent to the flight attendant.

HYPERX CLOUD GAMING HEADSET REVIEW

Gaming Illustrated RATING

Overall91%

BUILD QUALITY9.5

The aluminum build is flexible and sturdy without feeling like it could easily break. A sleek profile keeps the headset from being overly bulky. Smart color design and branding ensure it's not overly flashy.

SOUND8.5

Though it doesn't shoot for virtual surround, the 53mm drivers pack the right amount of punch to whatever you are listening to. Microphone audio comes in clear and works great for chatting or streaming.

VALUE9

For $99, gamers are getting a great headset that can be used for multiple devices and situations. Presented in a stellar package with a few bonuses, it's on the affordable side compared to many headsets.

COMFORT9.5

The light build is never heavy on the head but it's the memory foam ear cushions that set the HyperX apart. Long periods of wear will still produce some heat and sweat. The cups also are surprisingly effective at noise cancelling.